December 2000

Telework is a Winner

In September, the Telework Partnership with Employers (TPE) was recognized by the International Telework Association and Council as one of its "2000 Stars of Telework" for clearly and effectively demonstrating the benefits of teleworking to the community.

In October of 1998, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) provided $600,000 to assist employers in the Baltimore and Washington areas in establishing telework programs. BMC administers the program in the Baltimore area, and sponsored a series of seminars to introduce employers to the telework concept. Employers who are interested and who qualify may choose a consultant to tailor a telework program to their specific needs. Funding for the consultant services is provided by the MDOT grant.

Consultant services include assessing the workforce to determine what positions may be eligible for telework, training managers to manage in a telework environment, and providing technical input to make the telework program successful.

To date, more than 16 employers in Washington and 8 employers in the Baltimore area have chosen to participate in the TPE. Participating employers include the Discovery Channel, the City of Rockville, State Employees Credit Union and Orbital Services.

Within four years, MDOT expects to eliminate eight million vehicle trips annually through telework.

For more information about what the Telework Partnership with Employers can do for your organization, contact Russ Ulrich at 410-732-9575, or rulrich@baltometro.org.